Angry legislator, Sen. Tallian, agrees to move road funding bill

INDIANAPOLIS –Today, the Indiana Senate passed House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1002, a long-term road funding bill to address state and local infrastructure. State Senator Karen Tallian (D-Portage), reluctantly voted for the legislation.

“If this legislature wants to claim they have passed a bipartisan road funding bill, then they should realize they needed to have everyone at the table.

“What we were given was a piece of legislation that was compiled by a small group, behind closed doors,” Tallian said. “I knocked on the door and asked for one item: A commitment to hire Hoosiers for these road construction jobs. That did not make it into the bill.

“Ultimately, I know that the roads in our state are in complete disrepair. I drive on roads in my district, and throughout the state. Something needs to be done to fix these widespread problems and this is the bill the majority and the governor crafted.

“I have been elected to address the problems that exist in my district and throughout the state. My vote for this funding bill is my vote for better and safer roads, bridges and highways for now and for the next generation.”